Andøya Space and Rheinmetall Nordic AS have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen cooperation in civil and military space operations. The partnership is intended to address Europe’s growing security requirements through the rapid deployment of satellites and other space assets.
The two companies will work on closing gaps in the satellite and launch-related value chain at Andøya, Norway. The initiative includes offering commercial launch services as well as flexible and rapid response capabilities from European soil. It also covers Tactical Responsive Launch (TacRL) services, aimed at ensuring secure satellite operations with short reaction times.
According to the partners, the cooperation will contribute to maintaining strategic space infrastructure for Germany, Norway, NATO member states, and other allied countries. The focus will be on supporting strategic autonomy, faster deployment of capabilities, and operational resilience in a changing geopolitical environment.
Troels Sandreid, President of Andøya Spaceport, said:
"This Letter of Intent is a significant milestone for Andøya Space. By bundling expertise and infrastructure, we are aiming at reinforcing Europe’s ability to respond swiftly and securely to emerging civil and military space demands."Thomas Berge Nielsen, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic AS, said:
"Looking at the development of European space capabilities, the collaboration with Andøya Space will be a decisive factor concerning our assortment for the civil and military sector. We are very much looking forward to working together."The partnership is described as an important step toward completing Andøya’s space value chain and expanding facilities and services in Europe. Both companies confirmed their intention to make these services available on commercial terms, supporting TacRL missions and regular launch operations.